Tainted Tides

Chapter 9

*Dec's POV*

That night, I didn't sleep well. My mind battled with itself, swaying back and forth over the line between panicking about having already made enemies, and being content with trusting Ant. Not to mention the fact that starting the following morning, I would have to learn how to do something completely new and my reputation somewhat hung in the balance. Ant had assured me that there would be no expectations in the beginning and all I needed to do was focus on learning, but I couldn't help but worry that I would disappoint my new teacher, or much worse: end up being a burden on yet ANOTHER person...

My head filled with those thoughts, I barely got any rest. It felt like I simply lost consciousness for various minutes rather than actually sleep.

Understandably, the next morning I got up, feeling like death. I rolled out of my hammock, pulled on my clothes, and made my way to the deck. The only positive to my lack of rest was that I was too tired to be anxious. I decided to distract myself by talking to Stephen and Robbie during breakfast. I found them chatting along the starboard rail, and I walked over to join them.

"Hey guys, good morning." I said with a light croak to my voice.

"Hey Dec," Robbie smiled, "You seem tired, nervous about your new job?"

I was surprised. I didn't realize I was that easy to read.

I opened my mouth to speak, before Stephen chimed in, "Oh don't listen to Robbie, he does this thing where he basically peers into your soul and digs out your deepest fears and everything along the way."

Robbie chuckled before meeting my confused eyes and speaking, "he's exaggerating, I'm just good at reading people... I can't see into your soul until I take the eye patch off..." He giggled.

I joined in on his laugh, instantly glad about my decision to talk to them. They already felt like great friends. After the laughter died down, I smiled kindly and said, "I actually am a bit nervous. I've never done this before."

Stephen stepped towards me with a light 'clunk' and wrapped his arm around my shoulder, "Don't worry Decs, you've got the best teacher in the world! He'll take good care of you."

Feeling reassured, I grinned, "Thanks guys, this really helped. I'll catch up with you around lunch time!" I said as I began to walk away. After taking two steps, I stopped and turned around.

"Erm... Where do I go?" I asked sheepishly. Robbie simply smiled and led me back into the ship. In the darkness below deck, my eyes struggled to see for a few seconds. As we entered, I noticed Robbie adjust his eye patch momentarily before continuing into the ship. It seemed he wasn't struggling to see at all. Just as I thought to ask, we entered a large room filled with lumber leaning against the walls. In the center of the room was a large table with some tools on it and a man stood behind it.

As my eyes adjusted to the lantern-lit room, I examined the man in the middle. His smooth silver hair glistened in the amber glow from the lanterns, his youthful skin framed his caring blue eyes and his kind smile.

"Hey Philip, this is your new apprentice. Declan, meet Philip Schofield, our carpenter." Robbie exclaimed.

Philip walked over to me and extended his hand, Nice to meet you Declan." Shaking his hand, I noted his strong yet comfortable grip, and how he was slightly taller than me but made no attempt to tower over me. He wasn't approaching me as my superior, rather he treated me as his equal.

"Likewise," I said. Robbie left the room with a quick farewell, leaving me alone with Philip.

"Please, call me Phil." He spoke as he walked back to his workbench.